But, as reporters started to fire questions, Rose flashed emotion and expressed a determination to return. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau spoke about Rose's resolve in the immediate aftermath of his injury, and it was on display Thursday.

Rose's frame of mind was most apparent when asked what he would say to those who believe the Bulls should move on without him.

"You can be a fool if you want," Rose said. "I know I’m going to be all right."

Rose continued along this path, displaying confidence that he'll return at full strength. He didn't give up on the possibility of returning this season, pointing out that he would consider coming back if the Bulls make the playoffs and, "If I'm healthy and the situation is right."

The Bulls point guard came under scrutiny last year after he was cleared to play but decided not to return in the postseason. Throughout, he maintained there was a possibility he could play. He didn't.

Rose did come back to start the 2013-14 season. There were flashes of the talent he displayed in previous seasons over the 10 games in which he played before suffering injury. He averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds, but showed some rust in shooting 35.4 percent from the field and turning the ball over at the highest rate of his career.

Based on past production, it makes sense for Rose to retain this confidence. He is a former winner of the MVP, the only player not named LeBron James selected for the award in the past five years.

Still, with his recent string of injuries — a torn left ACL in 2012 and a torn meniscus in his right knee in 2013 — there is logic behind those developing opinions that Rose will never be the same.

Rose had his own doubts when he first suffered the torn meniscus, an injury that came just as he felt he was starting to gain a rhythm. His initial thought was that he could have suffered a torn right ACL, an injury that would have certainly put his career in doubt.

"I was just hoping it wasn't the ACL," Rose said. "That was my biggest concern."

Now past that initial fear, Rose said he can put pressure on his leg and bend it in ways he could not after suffering the ACL injury. He intends to approach the game the same as he did before. And he expects that to pay dividends.

Rose said he is a special player who plays a unique brand of basketball. And even if that approach yields further setback, Rose has no intentions of turning back.

"I could get hurt 10 more times," Rose said. "I'm never going to stop."